Local lad tweaks up skills for Big Bash

BRISBANE Heat off-spinner Matt Kuhnemann still gets starstruck playing at the top level but believes he enters his second Big Bash League stint with an enhanced ability to control the tempo of the game and absorb pressure.

The 23-year-old Gold Coaster has signed a two-year deal with the Heat, rounding out their 18-man squad for the season starting this weekend.

Kuhnemann featured in three BBL games for Brisbane last season and the left-armer was also a member of the Bulls Marsh Cup squad that made the one-day final late last month at Allan Border Field.

“I learnt heaps in my first BBL season, like how to control the game a bit more, how to absorb pressure and play in front of big crowds,” Kuhnemann said. “To be able to work with players like Brendon McCullum and Mujeeb (Ur Rahman) was excellent.”

Kuhnemann said learning from the likes of former Heat coach and fellow spinners Daniel Vettori and Ur Rahman had giving him added confidence as he tweaked his bowling technique.

“Daniel was really good. He spoke to me about not changing your action too much and rather the path of your wrist,” Kuhnemann said.

“Originally I’d move my arm a fair bit with variations.

“I have the arm ball and sliders and stuff but Mujeeb was working with me on trying to get a doosra but it’s so hard with the way he bowls it.

“Credit to him because it hurts your fingers so much. I’m sure we will pick up where we left off last season with it.”

Kuhnemann said he didn’t use the delivery last season but would contemplate rolling it out this season.

The Gold Coast Dolphins player played a trial on the spin-friendly Metricon Stadium wicket last year but didn’t feature in the Heat’s two BBL games at the venue.

It’s something he views as an enticing prospect going into this series, given the variation in bounce and spin it offers.

Heat coach Darren Lehmann said having a left-arm spinner like Kuhnemann in the squad provided another strong option.

“Matty is a very controlled and efficient left-arm spinner and that always works in your favour when putting together a squad I believe,” Lehmann said.